Not everything a kid sees, touches and hears needs to teach them something. Each fun action need not be met with an equal academic opportunity. But ain’t it grand when the two merge organically? Educational Insights strives for this natural equilibrium with their clever lineup of, um, educational games. Balance achieved with this new one for Pre-Kers thru 3rd graders.

Meet Inching Along, an adorable nighttime camping scene game board with snuggle-worthy animal character game pieces that makes a lovely contest of math and measurement nearly as enjoyable as roasting S’mores around a firepit (and without that smokey scent trapped in the fibers of your clothes – yuck). Game play is a bit like Uncle Wiggily in the ‘2 steps forward, 1 step back’ possibility and in it’s reliance on math to move you along. The winning difference is the use of a ruler (included) to measure a variety of lettered points on the board and the conversion of, say ‘A+D’ and ‘C-E’, into simple math problems.

With help, children as young as 3 should be able to handle and enjoy Inching Along. The Mouse cannot yet work out 11+8 on her own, but with my assistance she too partook in the fun…in fact, she won our 1st game! *If playing with a little one be prepared to pause for hellos and “hugs” as your bear, bunny or raccoon nears their family’s campsite!

Results are random (drawing cards to initiate problem-solving and movement) and there is no systemic way to punish a player for getting their equation wrong, but feel free to up the challenge of Inching Along as you see fit: no dinner for the losers, and so on. 😉

Inching Along is a too-cool summertime board game for those too-hot days at home or for, well, a family camping adventure! Scroll down for your chance to win a copy!

*OWTK received a sample of Inching Along for review consideration. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and honest.

******GIVEAWAY TIME*******

Want a copy of this impressive game for your family? Easy peesy. You’ve got a few chances to enter. 1st, you’ve gotta head to the Educational Insights Facebook page and press ‘Like’. You’re gonna want to go there anyway because you can win a 3 day/2 night trip to Los Angeles to see a live taping of Jeopardy!®. I know, right? So, ‘Like’ them and then do 1, 2 or all 3 of the following: